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Thursday, February 11, 2016

Fave Five: Valentine’s Day ideas that aren’t lame

Stuffed teddy bears. Boxes of chocolate. Dozen roses. If your Valentine is a foodie, these will not win your one-and-only’s heart.

For a more memorable VDay experience, head to one of the five restaurants below instead. And not just because of the food — which is outstanding, that’s a given — but because of the fun activities that come with it!

Learning to shuck oysters while drinking craft cocktails made with liquid nitrogen? I’d say yes to that date! At the end of your oyster-shucking & drink-making class, you get the devour the fruits of your labor. And you already know that oysters are an aphrodisiac, so…

If you prefer to stay in and cook this Sunday, at least learn how to make a proper romantic meal beforehand. Chef Nick Leahy of Salt Yard will teach you how to do just that on Saturday at Bloomingdale’s. Admission is free and you get goodies to take home with you!

Dessert is nice and all, but if you want something a little more naughty, head to STK for dinner and be sent home with edible chocolate paint! You get all the ingredients you need to get started (paint brush and all) — what you do with it is up to you…

You don’t even need to leave the country for this! Just head to Ponce City Market’s favorite Italian eatery and sit at the wine bar, where you’ll be treated to prosecco along with exquisite cured meats and artisanal cheeses, followed by two signature pasta dishes and chocolate bread pudding. Afterwards, stay (or sign up) for one of Bellina’s amazing culinary classes.

OK, this one doesn’t have too much of an activity to go with it, but who doesn’t want to eat Sublime donuts and drink Creature Comfort beer?! Especially when it’s expertly paired up by Cypress’ beer genius, Rob “BrewRu” Merrick.